Symptoms

There are many different types of MS. When it occurs during childhood, the condition usually takes the form of relapsing and remitting. This means that the symptoms suddenly reappear every few months or years, last for a few weeks or months, then go back into remission.

The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

Numbness or tingling in the face or limbs

Impaired vision in one or both eyes, including blurred vision, double vision, and loss of vision

Images may be taken of your child's bodily structures. This can be done with an
MRI scan
.

Treatment

The goals of MS treatment are to:

Relieve symptoms

Prevent relapses

Delay disability

Slow disease progression

Work with the doctor to develop a treatment plan for your child. Options include:

Medications

Examples of medications used to treat MS in children include:

Corticosteroids—to reduce inflammation and shorten MS flare-ups

Interferon beta—used to suppress the immune system

Intravenous immunoglobulin—a type of antibody

Plasma Exchange

With
plasma exchange
, the proteins causing the damage to the myelin are removed from the blood. During the plasma exchange, fresh plasma is added to the blood.

Other Treatments

Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may recommend that your child works with a:

Physical therapist to help with muscle strength and tone, dexterity, and walking ability—Participating in a regular exercise program may also be helpful.

Speech/language pathologist

Occupational therapist to help with daily living tasks

Psychologist or therapist to help with coping skills

Your child may also need support from teachers and staff at school.

Alternative Treatments

Some people with MS have found alternative treatments, such as
massage
,
acupuncture
, and
magnet therapy
helpful. If you are interested in these types of treatments for your child, talk to the doctor.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing MS. There may be some steps that you can take to prevent your child from having flare-ups, for example:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.